Snowmageddon 2011: The Biblical Lesson

After looking out the window at the snow for several hours, I decided I wanted to take a walk around campus. Snow is not something this South Mississippi girl sees very often... In the 5 years since I have moved to Birmingham I have seen more snow than the previous 23 when I lived in Hattiesburg. One of my favorite parts of the snowfall is the period before anyone walks on it, plays in it, or messes with it... when it is a blanket of white (not a very thick blanket) that is pure and peaceful. As I walked down the sidewalks with my head down to avoid the sleet hitting me in the face I took notice of just how white snow is. I know that may sound rediculous, but it was nearly midnight, but it was bright outside in a way... the light color of the ground made everything else lighter. I couldn't help but think of an old hymn and consequently a biblical simile as I gazed tried to determine where the sidewalk and grass met.

Tho' Your Sins Be as Scarlet, by: Frances Jane Crosby

"Tho' your sins be as scarlet,They shall be as white as snow;

Tho' your sins be as scarlet,They shall be as white as snow;

Tho' they be red like crimson,They shall be as wool;"

"Tho' your sins be as scarlet,Tho' your sins be as scarlet,

They shall be as white as snow,They shall be as white as snow."

Hear the voice that entreats you,Oh, return ye unto God;

Hear the voice that entreats you,Oh, return ye unto God;

He is of great compassion,And of wondrous love;

Hear the voice that entreats you,Hear the voice that entreats you,

Oh, return ye unto God!Oh, return ye unto God!

He'll forgive your transgressions,And remember them no more;

He'll forgive your transgressions,And remember them no more;

"Look unto Me, ye people,"Saith the Lord your God;

He'll forgive your transgressions,He'll forgive your transgressions,

And remember them no more,And remember them no more.

"Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord:

though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." Isa. 1:18.

There are other references to this simile in the bible...

In one of his Psalms, King David wrote the following after he was confronted by Nathan about his adultary with Bathsheba... it is one of the many phrases of repentance for David:

"Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow."

Psalm 51:7

In Daniel, Matthew, and Revelation, the simile is used describe God:

“As I looked, thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took his seat.

His clothing was as white as snow; the hair of his head was white like wool.

His throne was flaming with fire, and its wheels were all ablaze."

Daniel 7:9

"His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow."

Matthew 28:3

"The hair on his head was white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire."

Revelation 1:14

What a humbling and amazing visuals:

• Because of my salvation, I am as white... as pure as that snow that I love so much to look at...


• Our Lord... dressed in clothes white as snow, a paradox to the other items compared to fire.

Ultimately it's important not to forget that the two are connected. Without my Savior, dressed in white... I can't become white. Salvation cannot come without a Savior. We can't be white as snow without the One who created the snow, who is dressed in white as snow.

Prayer requests:

- Rep. Gaby Griffins from Arizona... and the families of those who died in the tragedy in Tuscon.

- James Graham, my cousins stepfather... he is very sick and the family is gathered at the hospital. Pray for comfort for Mr. James and the family.

- Continue to pray for baby Garrett... he is gaining wright and doing better!

- My friend Kaylie is going on a mission trip to San Francisco this week. She leaves on Tuesday and with Snowmageddon we are hoping none of her travel plans get delayed. Please pray for safety and opportunities for her on this trip.

Now that it's 2:30am I should probably get to sleep (Snow Day tomorrow!!). If you get to see the snow, think about how it relates to you and enjoy it for its beauty and what it represents...

Love Y'all,

Kacey

p.s. Mom, the new boots were great for my late night walk! Thanks! love you!